Food and Drinks Awards Return

The Food and Drink Awards are upon us once again. Nominations are now open and I urge everyone to do so. Your support at this critical phase of the process is vital to the success of these awards.

The next time you’re picking up freshly made bread from the bakery, enjoying a coffee with the kids, a glass of wine with the girls or fine dining with family, remember to nominate that establishment. We’ve made it as easy as possible to nominate online and it literally takes seconds to do.

You can even nominate food and drink establishments up to 10 miles outside the boundary of Chesterfield in the Out of Town category. Dronfield, Bolsover, Barlow, Baslow, Alfreton, Wingerworth are all areas that fall within this radius and I know from personal experience that there are some excellent restaurants, pubs and cafes in these areas.

This year everyone can get involved with the nomination and shortlisting process as we’ve introduced a new Family Friendly category. Having had young children once myself, I know that not every restaurant is conducive to a family-friendly dining experience but we’re really keen to discover the ones that are, and who better to judge these but families? We’re on the look-out for two families to help us do this. If you’re a young family and want to get involved then please do get in touch.

These awards are all about discovering the very best that Chesterfield has to offer as well as raising the bar to further improve the town’s offering.

TV chef Ainsley Harriott, who last year hosted the awards said himself that they had created a new standard in food, and I wholeheartedly agree. Chesterfield has never had such a variety and wealth of places to eat. It is a pleasure to be able to dine out in the town. There is truly something to suit every taste.

Thanks, in part to the superb hosting skills of Ainsley Harriott, last year’s awards ceremony is still talked about. I am delighted therefore that he has agreed to host the awards this year. The awards aren’t until October so before then, I would say to every eatery hoping for a nomination…..Ready, Steady, Cook!